We made it through the night in the Ramada!

Of course we did. After an excellent night’s sleep, our outlook on things was vastly improved. Funny how that happens.

The only thing that sucked this morning was having to put everything back on the bikes since we were required to leave them in the unused breakfast room off the lobby. But even with that we were rolling by 9am.

Goodbye, Rome. Hopefully forever.

Getting out of Rome was not bad, and in fact the route was at its worst once we got off the road and hit the trail.

The trail at this point was five miles of two-track that was maintained okay, but there has been rain in the area, and there were a lot of low spots. Either puddles or slimy muddy patches were bountiful, so it was slow going to navigate around or carefully ride through.

But, we got through that five miles without incident and popped out onto Route 69 in Oriskany. We had breakfast at Rosie’s, and it was great. It was a nice reward after the slow trail.

After breakfast the trail was much improved. We actually had the best day of the trip today. The weather was mostly sunny and in the mid-70’s. There were no cities to navigate through, and a lot of paved trail or well-maintained gravel. and we had a tailwind. What more could a cyclist want?

We also saw the only vertical lift gate lock on the Erie Canal, Utica Harbor Lock #20. All the others are gates.

When we reached Utica, we were welcomed by this impressive structure.

Soon we found ourselves at the Ilion Marina and Voss’, and it was time for ice cream.

The trail was lovely between Ilion and Little Falls.

Little Falls was very interesting. The trail is the former New York Central Railway line, and due to the unique geologic formations in this area next to the Mohawk River, the engineers had no choice but to blast through the bedrock (in the early 1800’s).

We rode through this cool section in the early afternoon. It provided a nice diversion and stark contrast to the rest of the Canalway.

Here’s an old photo I found online of this same place from the early 1900’s.

We were only an hour away from our destination at that point, and the rest of the ride continued to be very enjoyable. We were even going downhill a while.

Tonight we’re camping at the St. Johnsville Marina, and it’s delightful. Although what we saw of St. Johnsville when we walked to dinner indicates that the town has seen better days, Fannie, the woman who checked us in here could not possibly have been nicer. We’re set up next to a gazebo right by the canal, and the shower and laundry building is new and in perfect working order. Guess what they charge for a load of laundry? $1.50!

Fannie said numerous times that they love the cyclists who come through. What a change from last night.

I think it’s interesting that our best overnight experiences have been at the campgrounds. But my best sleep has been in the hotel beds. we have two more nights to find the perfect balance!

The only thing about the location is that there is a very active rail line a couple thousand feet away. But I don’t mind the sound of trains, which is fortunate because they sound like they’re going to come right through the tent.

Tomorrow we head for Schenectady, another 50 mile day. I hope tomorrow will be as good as today!

Until then, goodnight CSX locomotives!